In a meeting in Abu Dhabi with Pranab Mukerjee, Sheikh Mohammed praised the friendship and co-operation between the two countries as well as progress on bilateral ties.

Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE was keen to develop even closer relations with India. He also made special mention of his appreciation of the active role played by Indian manpower in UAE development projects.

The two sides exchanged views vis-à-vis current issues of the region and the latest developments on the international arena, as well as issues of common concern. For his part, the Indian minister conveyed his country's appreciation to the leadership and Government of the UAE for the care and attention it has extended to the Indian community. And he added India welcomes an increase in UAE investments in the Subcontinent.

Also, Mukerjee met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the two discussed joint action to address the worldwide increase in food prices.

Mukerjee has asked Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries to invest in India, especially in petrochemical fields, to let Indian companies participate in oil exploration and to expand trade in commodities and services with his country.

Later, Mukerjee spoke at Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research in Abu Dhabi.

He said Abu Dhabi was an important and major source for investment and Dubai had become a world economic centre. The minister praised the achievement made by the UAE after the establishment of the union.

Mukerjee said GCC countries, with their vast economic surpluses, are looking beyond their traditional investment partners in the West, as a "look East" policy is acquiring an increasing importance for countries in the region. (Wam)